Display device and display cabinet

Abstract

The present invention provides a display device provided in a display case and a display case that improve the customer attraction effect. The display device (4) includes a display portion (40) having a light guide plate provided at a corner portion of both sides of a housing portion (8), and a light source that supplies light incident to the inside of the light guide plate. The light guide plate is a structure independent of a structure forming both sides of the housing portion (8), and is formed with a concave-convex pattern that reflects incident light incident to the inside to emit it.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a display device installed in a display case and the display case itself. Background Technology

[0002] There is a known technology that uses lighting to attract the attention of people in the surrounding area, thereby attracting customers. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a prize-collecting game device, the purpose of which is to attract the attention of player candidates located around the prize-collecting game device to the prize in the collection space, thereby arousing their enthusiasm for playing.

[0003] In detail, the prize-winning game device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes: a light-emitting unit as a light-emitting part; and a side panel that divides the end of the receiving space in the width direction. The side panel guides light incident from the incident surface to the front side by reflecting it internally, and causes the light to exit from the curved part and the front part.

[0004] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0005] [Patent Literature]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 6057243 Specification Summary of the Invention

[0007] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1, as described above, is merely a technique that makes the light-emitting part simply emit light. Therefore, the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 suffers from a low customer attraction effect.

[0009] The purpose of one embodiment of the present invention is to realize a display device and a display case installed in a display case that can improve customer attraction.

[0010] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0011] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention employs the following structure.

[0012] In one example of this disclosure, the display device includes: a display section having at least one light guide plate; and a light source section supplying light incident into the interior of the light guide plate, the light guide plate being a component independent of the members forming the two transparent sides, the light guide plate having a raised or recessed pattern formed thereon to reflect incident light incident into the interior of the light guide plate so that the incident light exits from the light guide plate.

[0013] According to the structure described above, light emitted from the light guide plate through the raised pattern can be used to display a pattern corresponding to the raised pattern. For example, the pattern can be a pattern corresponding to the items displayed in the display case, or a pattern corresponding to the theme of each season. In this structure, the pattern can be used to attract the interest of people in the surrounding area of ​​the items displayed in the display case. Therefore, a display device with high customer attraction effect can be achieved when installed in a display case. Furthermore, the display section is located at the corners of the two transparent sides of the display case. Therefore, the transparent sides do not obstruct the visibility of the items displayed in the display case, and even at the corners, the pattern can be displayed while ensuring a certain degree of visibility of the items displayed in the display case. In other words, a display device with high customer attraction effect can be achieved while maintaining high visibility of the items displayed in the display case.

[0014] Furthermore, the light guide plate with the raised and recessed pattern is a separate component from the components forming the surface of the display case. Therefore, compared to a structure where the components forming the surface of the display case and the light guide plate are integrated, the processing of the light guide plate becomes easier. Consequently, the raised and recessed pattern in the light guide plate can be easily formed.

[0015] In one example of this disclosure, the display device may also be such that the embossed pattern is formed by a plurality of prisms including a reflective surface that reflects the incident light, the reflective surfaces of the plurality of prisms facing each other toward the incident light supplied from the light source.

[0016] For example, each prism may reflect incident light from the light source in the light guide plate at approximately perpendicular angles. Alternatively, incident light (e.g., stray light) incident from a direction different from the light source may be reflected by the prisms but exited from the light guide plate at a relatively large angle relative to the prism's exit surface. With this structure, reflected light from incident light from a direction different from the light source is difficult for an observer directly facing the display to see. Therefore, the display device allows the observer to see the pattern corresponding to the raised / recessed design only during the period when the light source is supplying light.

[0017] In one example of this disclosure, the display device may also be one in which the light guide plate is detachably mounted relative to the display case.

[0018] According to the structure described above, the light guide plate included in the display unit 40 can be replaced with a light guide plate having different embossed patterns. Therefore, by replacing the light guide plate, the pattern displayed by the light guide plate can be changed.

[0019] In one example of this disclosure, the display device may also include multiple light guide plates.

[0020] According to the structure, the display device includes multiple light guide plates, thus enabling the display of various patterns corresponding to each light guide plate.

[0021] In one example of this disclosure, the display unit may also include a transparent support pillar that supports the light guide plate.

[0022] According to the structure described, both the visibility inside the display case can be well ensured, and the strength of the display section can be improved.

[0023] In one example of this disclosure, the display unit may also include a transparent protective cover that protects the light guide plate.

[0024] According to the structure described, the view inside the display case can be well ensured, while the degradation of the light guide plate can be suppressed.

[0025] In one example of this disclosure, the display case may also include the display device described in the example of this disclosure.

[0026] Based on the structure described, a display cabinet including the display device of the example described can be realized.

[0027] [The effects of the invention]

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a display device and display case with high customer attraction effect can be realized. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an example of the display device of Embodiment 1.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing an example of the overall structure of a game device including the display device of Embodiment 1.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing an example of a portion of the structure included in the display device of Embodiment 1.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a portion of the structure included in the display device of Embodiment 1.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing an example of a portion of the structure included in the display device of Embodiment 1.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing an example of the overall structure of a game device including the display device of Embodiment 1.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a plan view showing an example of the light guide plate of Embodiment 1.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a plan view showing another example of the light guide plate of Embodiment 1.

[0037] Figure 9 This is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of an example of the configuration of the first prism and the first pattern in Embodiment 1.

[0038] Figure 10 This is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of an example of the arrangement of the second prism and the second pattern in Embodiment 1.

[0039] Figure 11 This is an enlarged plan view showing an example of the overlapping area where the first pattern and the second pattern of Embodiment 1 overlap.

[0040] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing an example of the overall structure of a game device including the display device of Embodiment 2.

[0041] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing an example of a portion of the structure included in the display device of Embodiment 2.

[0042] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a portion of the structure of the display device according to Embodiment 2.

[0043] Figure 15 This is a perspective view showing an example of a portion of the structure of the display device according to Embodiment 2.

[0044] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the light guide plate in a modified example of Embodiment 2.

[0045] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0046] 2: Side panels (two transparent sides)

[0047] 3: Front panel (two transparent sides)

[0048] 4, 4a: Display device

[0049] 6: Light source (light source section)

[0050] 6a: First light source (light source section)

[0051] 6b: Second light source (light source section)

[0052] 8, 8a: Storage Department (Display Cases)

[0053] 40, 40a: Display section

[0054] 41, 41a~41d: Light guide plate

[0055] 42, 42a: Support pillar

[0056] 43, 43a: Protective cover

[0057] 410: Embossed pattern

[0058] 410a: First pattern (embossed pattern)

[0059] 410b: Second pattern (embossed pattern) Detailed Implementation

[0060] Hereinafter, an embodiment of one aspect of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as "this embodiment") will be described based on the accompanying drawings.

[0061] [Implementation Method 1]

[0062] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0063] §1 Applicable Examples

[0064] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the game device 1, including the display device 4 of this embodiment. An outline of the display device 4 of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the structure of the game device 1 including the display device 4 will be described. Furthermore, the display device 4 can also be applied to devices other than game devices; the display device 4 can be applied to display cases for displaying exhibits.

[0065] The game device 1 is, for example, a device for executing a prize-winning game, in which the player operates a crane or similar device to obtain a prize located in the storage space 80 within the storage section (display case) 8. Figure 2 As shown, the game device 1 includes a game function unit 100 and a storage unit 8.

[0066] The game function unit 100 is located at the lower part of the game device 1. The game function unit 100 houses various electronic devices that operate the game device 1. Within the game function unit 100, there is an operation receiving unit 101 that receives player input. In this specification, the surface where the operation receiving unit 101 is located is referred to as the front of the game device 1 or the storage unit 8. The surface facing the front is referred to as the back of the game device 1 or the storage unit 8. Sometimes, the front and back of the storage unit 8 are simply referred to as the front and back. The direction from the front side to the back side is referred to as the depth direction. The horizontal direction perpendicular to the depth direction is referred to as the width direction. The direction from the bottom surface to the top surface of the storage unit 8 is referred to as the height direction. For example, Figure 2 In the diagram, the Z direction represents the depth direction, the X direction represents the width direction, and the Y direction represents the height direction.

[0067] The storage section 8 includes: two side panels 2 forming the sides of the storage section 8, a front panel 3 forming the front of the storage section 8, a top panel 5 forming the top surface of the storage section 8, and a back panel 9 forming the back of the storage section 8. Furthermore, the bottom surface of the storage section 8 is formed by the frame of the game function section 100. The storage section 8 forms a storage space 80 through the side panels 2, the front panel 3, the top panel 5, and the frame of the game function section 100.

[0068] In addition, the side panel 2 and the front panel 3 include components formed as transparent plates. For example, the side panel 2 and the front panel 3 can also be formed by molding raw materials that are transparent to visible light, such as acrylic, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, cyclic olefin polymers, and glass.

[0069] Furthermore, the storage section 8 includes two display devices 4.

[0070] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of display device 4. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the display device 4 includes a display unit 40, a light source (light source unit) 6, and a control unit 10. The display unit 40 includes at least one light guide plate 41. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 As shown, the display section 40 is provided at the corner of the two transparent sides of the storage section 8. Here, the two transparent sides of the storage section 8 refer to the side surface of the storage section 8 formed by the side panel 2 and the front surface of the storage section 8 formed by the front panel 3. That is, the display section 40 is provided at the corner (corner) formed by the side surface of the storage section 8 and the front surface of the storage section 8.

[0071] like Figure 1 As shown, light source 6 supplies light incident inside the light guide plate 41. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 As shown, the display device 4 may also include multiple light sources 6. The control unit 10 controls the lighting and extinguishing of the light sources 6. The control unit 10 includes, for example, a processor, a memory circuit, and a driving circuit for each light source. The control unit 10 may also control the lighting and extinguishing of the light sources 6 according to control signals from a higher-level control device (not shown).

[0072] The light guide plate 41 is a separate component from the transparent two-sided members that form the storage section 8. That is, the light guide plate 41 is provided independently of the side panel 2 or the front panel 3.

[0073] Figure 7 This is a plan view showing an example of the light guide plate 41.

[0074] like Figure 7As shown, a raised pattern 410 is formed on the light guide plate 41 to reflect incident light incident into the interior of the light guide plate 41 and cause it to exit from the light guide plate 41. The light guide plate 41 can also be formed by molding a raw material that is transparent to visible light, such as acrylic, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, cyclic olefin polymers, or glass.

[0075] According to the structure described above, light emitted from the light guide plate 41 through the raised pattern 410 can be used to display a pattern corresponding to the raised pattern 410. For example, the pattern can be a pattern corresponding to the items displayed in the storage section 8, a pattern corresponding to the theme of each season, etc. The pattern can also include illustrations, text, etc. In this structure, the pattern can be used to arouse the interest of people around in the items displayed in the storage section 8. Therefore, a display device 4 with a high customer attraction effect can be realized when installed in the storage section 8, etc. Moreover, the display section 40 is provided at the corners of the two transparent sides of the storage section 8. Therefore, the visibility of the items displayed in the storage section 8 will not be obstructed on the two transparent sides, and the pattern can be displayed even at the corners while ensuring a certain degree of visibility of the items displayed in the display case. That is, a display device with a high customer attraction effect can be realized while ensuring high visibility of the items displayed in the display case.

[0076] Alternatively, the raised pattern 410 may be configured to not display a specific pattern on the light guide plate 41, but simply make the light guide plate 41 illuminate. For example, the raised pattern 410 may be formed on the light guide plate 41 in a way that the entire light guide plate 41 is illuminated.

[0077] Furthermore, the light guide plate 41 with its raised and recessed patterns is a separate component from the members forming the surface of the receiving portion 8. Therefore, compared to a structure where the members forming the surface of the receiving portion 8 and the light guide plate 41 are integrated, the processing of the light guide plate 41 becomes easier. Consequently, the raised and recessed patterns in the light guide plate 41 can be easily formed.

[0078] §2 Structural Examples

[0079] (Structure of display device 4)

[0080] Next, an example of the structure of the display device 4 in this embodiment will be described.

[0081] <Structure of display unit 40>

[0082] As described above, the display device 4 includes a display unit 40.

[0083] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of the display unit 40 included in the display device 4. For example... Figure 3As shown, the display unit 40 includes a light guide plate 41, a support column 42, and a protective cover 43. The display device 4 of this embodiment includes a light guide plate 41.

[0084] The support column 42 is a transparent support column that supports the light guide plate 41. The support column 42 is provided in a manner that connects to a part of the light guide plate 41. Moreover, in the storage part 8, the support column 42 is provided on the inner side of the light guide plate 41.

[0085] According to the structure, the field of view within the storage section 8 can be well ensured, and the strength of the light guide plate 41 can be improved.

[0086] The protective cover 43 is a transparent protective cover that protects the light guide plate 41. The protective cover 43 is provided in a manner that connects to the light guide plate 41. Moreover, in the storage part 8, the protective cover 43 is provided on the outside of the light guide plate 41.

[0087] According to the structure, the field of view within the storage section 8 can be well ensured, while the degradation of the light guide plate 41 can be suppressed.

[0088] The support column 42 and the protective cover 43 can also be formed by molding raw materials such as acrylic, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, cyclic olefin polymers, and glass that are transparent to visible light.

[0089] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a portion of the structure included in the display device 4.

[0090] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing an example of a portion of the structure included in the display device 4.

[0091] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the light guide plate 41 and the side panel 2 are arranged such that the end of the light guide plate 41 is connected to the end of the side panel 2. Specifically, the end of the side panel 2 on the front side is connected to the end of the light guide plate 41. Moreover, the light guide plate 41 and the side panel 2 are arranged such that the in-plane direction of the side panel 2 forms a predetermined angle A with the in-plane direction of the light guide plate 41. For example, if the shape of the storage part 8 is approximately cubic, the predetermined angle A can be set to 135 degrees. Furthermore, a light source 6 is provided at the end of the back side of the side panel 2.

[0092] Figure 4 This shows the light path emitted by light source 6. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the light emitted by the light source 6 is incident on the side panel 2. The incident light incident on the side panel 2 travels along the direction L1 from the back side to the front side. The incident light incident on the side panel 2 exits from the side panel 2 at the end of the front side of the side panel 2 and is incident on the light guide plate 41.

[0093] Incident light incident on the light guide plate 41 travels along the in-plane direction L2 of the light guide plate 41 from the back side to the front side. The incident light incident on the light guide plate 41 is influenced by the raised and recessed patterns formed on the light guide plate 41 (see reference). Figures 7 to 11 The light is reflected and emitted from the exit surface P of the light guide plate 41. Figure 4 The direction L3 shown indicates the direction of light emitted from the exit surface P.

[0094] Alternatively, the embossed pattern formed on the light guide plate 41 can also be formed by multiple prisms, each prism including a reflective surface that reflects incident light incident on the light guide plate 41. For example, the reflective surfaces of the multiple prisms face each other toward the incident light supplied by the light source 6.

[0095] For example, the reflective surface of the prism could be oriented such that it reflects the incident light from the light source 6 in a vertical direction, directly opposite the display unit 40. Alternatively, incident light (e.g., stray light) from a direction different from the light supplied by the light source could be reflected by the prism and exited from the light guide plate at a relatively large angle relative to the prism's exiting surface. With this structure, reflected light from incident light from a direction different from the light supplied by the light source is difficult for an observer directly facing the display unit 40 to see. Therefore, the display device 4 can only allow the observer to see the pattern corresponding to the raised / recessed pattern during the period when the light source 6 is supplying light. Details regarding the raised / recessed pattern and the prism will be described later.

[0096] Furthermore, the example described illustrates an instance where light emitted from the light source 6 is incident on the light guide plate 41 via the side panel 2. Alternatively, the structure could be configured such that light emitted from the light source 6 is directly incident on the light guide plate 41. For example, the light source 6 could be positioned adjacent to the upper end, lower end, or front end of the light guide plate 41.

[0097] Furthermore, a raised or recessed pattern may be formed on the side panel 2 to reflect the incident light so that it exits from the side panel 2.

[0098] <Replacement of light guide plate 41>

[0099] The light guide plate 41 can also be detachably installed relative to the storage section 8.

[0100] Based on the described structure, the light guide plate 41 included in the display unit 40 can be replaced with a light guide plate 41 having different embossed patterns. Therefore, the pattern displayed by the display unit 40 can be changed.

[0101] An example of the structure of the storage section 8, which allows for the detachment and reassembly of the light guide plate 41, will be described.

[0102] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing an example of the overall structure of the game device 1, including the display device 4. For example... Figure 2 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the top panel 5 forming the top surface of the storage section 8 may also include a cover 5a. The cover 5a is detachably mounted to the top panel 5. When the cover 5a is mounted on the top panel 5, it is configured to cover the upper part of the display section 40. That is, by removing and attaching the cover 5a to the top panel 5, the upper part of the display section 40 can be opened and closed.

[0103] As an example of the structure of the storage section 8, it can also be configured such that, with the cover 5a removed from the top panel 5, the light guide plate 41 can be removed from the storage section 8 by lifting it. Furthermore, as an example of the structure of the storage section 8, it can also be configured such that, after the light guide plate 41 is removed from the storage section 8, other light guide plates 41 can be inserted from the top.

[0104] Furthermore, a groove may be formed in the frame of the game function section 100 that forms the bottom surface of the storage section 8, into which the lower end of the light guide plate 41 can be inserted.

[0105] (Example of the concave and convex patterns and prism structure included in the light guide plate 41)

[0106] Figure 7 This is a plan view showing an example of the light guide plate 41. Figure 7 L2 represents an example of the optical path of light incident on the light guide plate 41. For example... Figure 7 As shown, an incident surface is formed on the side of the light guide plate 41 that allows light to enter the sidewall. Furthermore, the light guide plate 41 includes a raised / recessed pattern 410. The raised / recessed pattern 410 is formed by a plurality of prisms 411. The prisms 411 are formed on the diffusion surface located on the inner side (receiving space 80 side) of the light guide plate 41. Light propagating inside the light guide plate 41 is reflected by the plurality of prisms 411 within the light guide plate 41. Subsequently, the reflected light exits from the exit surface of the light guide plate 41 facing the diffusion surface.

[0107] For example, the embossed pattern and prisms included in the light guide plate 41 can also be used in a structure where light is directly incident from the light source 6 onto the light guide plate 41. In this structure, multiple prisms 411 are each arranged such that their reflective surfaces face the light source 6 on a surface parallel to the diffusion surface. That is, the reflective surfaces of the prisms 411 located at a predetermined distance from the light source 6 are oriented in a manner substantially parallel to a circle centered on the light source 6 and with the predetermined distance as its radius.

[0108] By arranging the various prisms 411 in this way, each prism 411 can reflect light from the light source 6 incident from the incident surface in a manner approximately perpendicular to the exiting surface. On the other hand, light from sources other than the light source 6, such as stray light, incident from the incident surface, even if reflected by the prisms 411, will exit from the exiting surface at a relatively large angle relative to the exiting surface. Therefore, the emitted light is difficult for an observer located in front of the light guide plate 41 to observe. Thus, when the light source 6 is not lit, the display section 40 can be kept transparent relative to the observer.

[0109] In addition, by arranging the reflective surface of the prism so that it faces the incident light, the concave-convex pattern and the structure of the prism can also be applied to a structure in which light emitted from the light source 6 is incident on the light guide plate 41 via the side panel 2.

[0110] (Another example of the concave-convex pattern and prism structure included in the light guide plate 41)

[0111] The following description of the embossed pattern and prism structure of the light guide plate 41 illustrates a structure in which light is directly incident on the light guide plate 41 from two light sources (first light source 6a and second light source 6b). On the other hand, the embossed pattern and prism structure can also be applied to a structure in which light emitted from two (or more) light sources is incident on the light guide plate 41 via the side panel 2.

[0112] Figure 8 This is a plan view showing an example of the light guide plate 41. For example... Figure 8 As shown, an incident surface 4100 is formed on one side of the sidewall of the light guide plate 41, facing the first light source 6a and the second light source 6b. Light from the first light source 6a enters the interior of the light guide plate 41 through the incident surface 4100.

[0113] Light propagating inside the light guide plate 41 is totally internally reflected by a plurality of first prisms 411a formed on the diffusion surface located on the inner side (receiving space 80 side) of the light guide plate 41. Subsequently, the reflected incident light exits from the exiting surface of the light guide plate 41 facing the diffusion surface. The plurality of first prisms 411a are arranged along the first pattern 410a in a manner forming a first pattern 410a. Therefore, during the period when the first light source 6a is lit, an observer can observe the first pattern 410a that is visible as light emanating from the surface of the light guide plate 41. Also note that... Figure 8 In order to improve the ease of observation of the diagram, the sizes of the first prism 411a and the second prism 411b are exaggerated.

[0114] Similarly, light from the second light source 6b enters the interior of the light guide plate 41 from the incident surface 4100. The light propagating inside the light guide plate 41 undergoes total internal reflection by the plurality of second prisms 411b formed on the diffusion surface and then exits from the exit surface. The plurality of second prisms 411b are arranged along the second pattern 410b in a manner that forms a second pattern 410b. Therefore, during the period when the second light source 6b is illuminated, an observer can observe the second pattern 410b that is visible as light emanating from the surface of the light guide plate 41.

[0115] Each of the plurality of first prisms 411a has, for example, a generally triangular groove of a predetermined length formed on the diffusion surface. Furthermore, each of the plurality of first prisms 411a has a reflecting surface 412a at a predetermined angle relative to the diffusion surface. Similarly, each of the plurality of second prisms 411b has, for example, a generally triangular groove of a predetermined length formed on the diffusion surface. Furthermore, each of the plurality of second prisms 411b has a reflecting surface 412b at a predetermined angle relative to the diffusion surface. The predetermined angle is the angle at which light incident on the light guide plate 41 from the first light source 6a or the second light source 6b undergoes total internal reflection and is directed toward the exiting surface; for example, it is set to be 40° to 50° relative to the diffusion surface. Moreover, the predetermined length is the length sufficient to arrange the plurality of prisms within the first pattern 410a and the second pattern 410b; for example, it is set to be approximately 100 μm to several millimeters.

[0116] Figure 9 This is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the first pattern 410a showing the configuration of the first prisms 411a. Multiple first prisms 411a are arranged in a sawtooth pattern within the first pattern 410a. That is, the multiple first prisms 411a are arranged at equal intervals along a direction parallel to the incident surface 4100 of the light guide plate 41 (for convenience, referred to as the X1 direction) within the first pattern 410a, and at predetermined intervals along rows in a direction orthogonal to the incident surface 4100 (for convenience, referred to as the Y1 direction). Furthermore, between adjacent rows, the positions of two adjacent first prisms 411a in the Y1 direction are offset by half the distance between them. Furthermore, each of the multiple first prisms 411a is configured such that its reflecting surface 412a faces the first light source 6a on a surface parallel to the diffusion surface. That is, in this example, the reflecting surface 412a of the first prism 411a, located at a predetermined distance from the first light source 6a, is oriented in a manner that is approximately parallel to a circle centered on the first light source 6a and with the predetermined distance as its radius.

[0117] By arranging the various first prisms 411a in this way, each first prism 411a can reflect light from the first light source 6a incident from the incident surface 4100 in a manner approximately perpendicular to the exiting surface. On the other hand, light from sources other than the first light source 6a incident from the incident surface 4100, such as light from the second light source 6b or stray light, even if reflected by the first prisms 411a, will exit from the exiting surface at a relatively large angle relative to the exiting surface. Therefore, the emitted light is difficult for an observer located in front of the light guide plate 41 to observe. Thus, the display device 4 can only allow the observer to see the first pattern 410a while the first light source 6a is lit.

[0118] Figure 10 This is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the second pattern 410b, showing the configuration of the second prism 411b. Similar to the first prism 411a, the plurality of second prisms 411b are arranged in a zigzag pattern within the second pattern 410b. Furthermore, each of the plurality of second prisms 411b is configured such that its reflecting surface 412b faces the second light source 6b directly on a surface parallel to the diffusion surface. Therefore, in this example, the reflecting surface 412b of the second prism 411b located at a predetermined distance from the second light source 6b is oriented in a manner substantially parallel to a circle centered on the second light source 6b and with the predetermined distance as its radius. Therefore, similar to the first pattern 410a, the display device 4 can only allow the observer to see the second pattern 410b while the second light source 6b is illuminated.

[0119] Figure 11 This is an enlarged plan view of the overlapping region, showing the arrangement of the prisms in the overlapping region where the first pattern 410a and the second pattern 410b overlap. In this example, both the first prism 411a and the second prism 411b are arranged in a zigzag pattern. Therefore, in the overlapping region of the first pattern 410a and the second pattern 410b, the first prism 411a and the second prism 411b are arranged alternately. Therefore, in the overlapping region of the first pattern 410a and the second pattern 410b, when the first light source 6a is illuminated, the first prism 411a also guides the light from the first light source 6a to the exit surface side. Moreover, when the second light source 6b is illuminated, the second prism 411b guides the light from the second light source 6b to the exit surface side. Thus, a pattern corresponding to the illuminated light source is displayed. Furthermore, by arranging the first prism 411a and the second prism 411b in this way, it is easy to set the first pattern 410a and the second pattern 410b to any shape. Furthermore, by arranging the first prism 411a and the second prism 411b in this way, the boundaries can be made aesthetically pleasing when the boundaries of each pattern and other areas are formed on a straight line.

[0120] In addition, the first prism 411a and the second prism 411b can also be arranged in a grid pattern. Moreover, each prism can be configured such that in the region where the first pattern 410a and the second pattern 410b overlap, the row of the first prism 411a in the Y1 direction and the row of the second prism 411b in the Y1 direction alternate.

[0121] As explained above, even when the multiple light sources 6 can only be arranged facing one side of the light guide plate 41, the prism that forms a pattern corresponding to the illuminated light source 6 can still allow light from the light source to exit from the light guide plate. Therefore, by switching the illuminated light source, the displayed pattern can be switched.

[0122] [Implementation Method 2]

[0123] Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be labeled with the same symbols and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0124] (Overview of display device 4a)

[0125] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the game device 1a, including the display device 4a of this embodiment. First, a general overview of the display device 4a of this embodiment will be described. Figure 12 As shown, the storage unit 8a included in the game device 1a replaces the two display devices 4 included in the storage unit 8 of Embodiment 1 and includes two display devices 4a.

[0126] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of the display unit 40a included in the display device 4a. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the display unit 40a includes a light guide plate 41a and a light guide plate 41b. That is, the display device 4a includes a plurality of light guide plates.

[0127] According to the structure, the display device 4a includes a light guide plate 41a and a light guide plate 41b as light guide plates, and thus can display a variety of patterns corresponding to the light guide plate 41a and the light guide plate 41b.

[0128] <Structure of display unit 40a>

[0129] Next, an example of the structure of the display unit 40a in this embodiment will be described. Figure 13 As shown, the display unit 40a includes a light guide plate 41a, a light guide plate 41b, a support column 42a, and a protective cover 43a.

[0130] The support column 42a is a transparent support column that supports the light guide plate 41a and the light guide plate 41b. The support column 42a is provided in a manner that partially connects with the light guide plate 41a and the light guide plate 41b. Moreover, in the storage part 8a, the support column 42a is provided on the inner side of the light guide plate 41a and the light guide plate 41b.

[0131] According to the structure, the field of view within the storage section 8a can be well ensured, and the strength of the light guide plate 41a and the light guide plate 41b can be improved.

[0132] The protective cover 43a is a transparent protective cover that protects the light guide plate 41a and the light guide plate 41b. The protective cover 43a is provided in a manner that connects to the light guide plate 41a and the light guide plate 41b. Moreover, in the storage part 8a, the protective cover 43a is provided on the outside of the light guide plate 41a and the light guide plate 41b.

[0133] According to the structure, the field of view within the storage section 8a can be well ensured, and the degradation of the light guide plate 41a and the light guide plate 41b can be suppressed.

[0134] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a portion of the structure included in the display device 4a.

[0135] Figure 15 This is a perspective view showing an example of a portion of the structure included in the display device 4a.

[0136] like Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 As shown, the light guide plate 41a and the side panel 2 are configured such that the end of the light guide plate 41a is connected to the end of the side panel 2. Specifically, the end of the side panel 2 on the front side is connected to the end of the light guide plate 41a on the back side. Furthermore, a light source 6 is provided at the end of the side panel 2 on the back side. Moreover, the side panel 2 and the light guide plate 41a are configured such that the in-plane direction of the side panel 2 is the same as the in-plane direction of the light guide plate 41a.

[0137] Furthermore, light guide plates 41a and 41b are configured such that the end of the front side of light guide plate 41a is connected to the end of light guide plate 41b. More specifically, light guide plates 41a and 41b are configured such that the in-plane direction of light guide plate 41a is orthogonal to the in-plane direction of light guide plate 41b. Moreover, a light source 6 is provided at the end of the back side of the side panel 2.

[0138] Figure 14 This indicates the light path emitted by light source 6. For example... Figure 14 As shown, light emitted from light source 6 is incident on side panel 2. The incident light incident on side panel 2 travels along direction L1 from the back side to the front side. The incident light incident on side panel 2 exits from side panel 2 at the front end of side panel 2 and is incident on light guide plate 41a.

[0139] Incident light incident on the light guide plate 41a travels along the in-plane direction L4 of the light guide plate 41a from the back side to the front side. The incident light incident on the light guide plate 41a is influenced by the raised and recessed patterns formed on the light guide plate 41a (see reference). Figures 7 to 11 The light is reflected and emitted from the exit surface PA of the light guide plate 41a. Figure 14 The direction L5 shown indicates the direction of light emitted from the exit surface PA.

[0140] Moreover, such as Figure 14 As shown, the end of the light guide plate 41a on the front side is inclined relative to the direction from the back side toward the front side. The inclined end of the light guide plate 41a reflects the incident light toward the direction of the light guide plate 41b, and causes the incident light to exit from the light guide plate 41a. The light exiting from the light guide plate 41a is incident on the light guide plate 41b. The incident light incident on the light guide plate 41b travels along the in-plane direction L6 of the light guide plate 41b. The incident light incident on the light guide plate 41b is guided by the embossed pattern formed on the light guide plate 41b (see reference). Figures 7 to 11 The light is reflected and emitted from the exit surface PB of the light guide plate 41b. Figure 14 The direction L7 shown indicates the direction of light emitted from the exit surface PB.

[0141] <Replacement of light guide plate 41a and light guide plate 41b>

[0142] An example of a structure for a storage portion 8a capable of detaching at least one of the light guide plates 41a and 41b will be described.

[0143] like Figure 12 As shown, the top panel 5b forming the top surface of the storage section 8a may also include a cover 5c. The cover 5c is detachably mounted from the top panel 5b. With the cover 5c mounted on the top panel 5b, the cover 5c is configured to cover the upper part of the display section 40a. That is, by attaching and removing the cover 5c from the top panel 5b, the upper part of the display section 40a can be opened and closed. The details of replacing the light guide plate 41a and the light guide plate 41b are the same as those described in "Replacing the Light Guide Plate 41" of Embodiment 1, and therefore will not be repeated.

[0144] (Modified Example)

[0145] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the light guide plate 41c and light guide plate 41d in a modified embodiment of this invention. Figure 16As shown, light guide plates 41c and 41d are configured such that the front end of light guide plate 41c is connected to the end of light guide plate 41d. Unlike light guide plate 41a, the front end of light guide plate 41c connected to light guide plate 41d is not inclined. On the other hand, the end of light guide plate 41d connected to light guide plate 41c is inclined. The inclined end of light guide plate 41d causes incident light incident on light guide plate 41d to be reflected in the in-plane direction of light guide plate 41d.

[0146] This invention is not limited to the various embodiments described. Various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical components disclosed in different embodiments are also included within the technical scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A display device, characterized in that, include: The display unit has multiple light guide plates and transparent pillars supporting the light guide plates, and the display unit includes a transparent protective cover that protects the multiple light guide plates; as well as The light source section supplies light incident into the interior of the plurality of light guide plates. The multiple light guide plates are components independent of the elements forming the two transparent sides of the display case, and are positioned at the corners of the two transparent sides of the display case so as not to obstruct the visibility of the exhibits inside the display case. The plurality of light guide plates are formed with a concave-convex pattern that reflects incident light incident into the interior of the plurality of light guide plates, causing the incident light to exit from the plurality of light guide plates. Furthermore, the multiple light guide plates can be detachably installed relative to the display case. The plurality of light guide plates includes a first light guide plate and a second light guide plate. The inclined surface at the end of the first light guide plate reflects the incident light onto the second light guide plate for light guiding. The inclined surface at the end of the first light guide plate is inclined from the back side to the front side. The inclined surface reflects the incident light incident on the first light guide plate and directs it toward the second light guide plate. Furthermore, the incident light incident on the first light guide plate is reflected by the concave and convex patterns formed on the first light guide plate and then emitted. Incident light incident on the second light guide plate is reflected by the concave and convex patterns formed on the second light guide plate and then emitted.

2. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The embossed pattern is formed by a plurality of prisms, including a reflective surface that reflects the incident light. The reflective surfaces of the plurality of prisms face each other toward the incident light supplied from the light source.

3. A display case, characterized in that, Includes the display device as described in claim 1 or 2.

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